The criteria in the fifth edition are somewhat different than the criteria in the fourth edition.
Each of the four categories includes a group of related symptoms.
Intrusion
These symptoms are related to intrusive thoughts and memories of the traumatic event.
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They may also avoid thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations that recall the event.
Experiencing the event could be direct, but it doesn’t have to be.
Other key changes include:
Causes
PTSD is due to exposure to trauma.
However, it’s not clear why some people develop PTSD after traumatic events while others do not.
There are some risk factors that can make someone more likely to develop it than others.
For example, genetics may play a role.
It’s also more common in women than men.
Acute and chronic PTSD are no longer used in the DSM-5.
Treatment
Treatment for PTSD can involve medication, psychotherapy, or both.
Consult amental health professionalto find the best treatment for you.
These can help someone with PTSD with mood, anxiety, eating, and sleep.
Be sure to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Theseways to copeare known to be effective.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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